Chengdu is the capital of "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus.
Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million.
Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is reputed as "Tian Fu Zhi Guo", literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two branches of the Yangtze River, connected to forty other rivers, supply an irrigation area of more than 700 square kilometres (270.27 square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water. Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the land is extremely fertile.
The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400 when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city. Through thousands of years its original name has been kept and its position as the capital and as the significant center of politics, commerce and military of the Sichuan area (once called Shu) has remained unchanged. Since the Han (206B.C.-220) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties when its handicraft industry flourished, Chengdu has been famous for its brocades and embroideries. Shu embroideries still enjoy a high reputation for their bright colors and delicate designs, ranking among the four main embroideries in China. Chengdu was the place where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated, the place where the Southern Silk Road started, and the place where the earliest paper currency, Jiaozi (not the dumpling!), was first printed. It is listed among the first 24 state-approved historical and cultural cities and owns 23 state and provincial cultural relic units.
In addition to its profound historical and cultural background featuring historic places of interest such as the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu , Wuhou Memorial Temple and Wenshu Monastery , etc, natural beauty abounds in surrounding areas such as in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huang Long Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley) . The natural habitat of giant pandas, Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center , supports the world's only giant panda breeding and research base.
Sampling the famous Sichuan cuisine is a must on a trip to Chengdu. Enjoying the food as well as the culture, shopping and having tea at a teahouse afford a deeper understanding of Chengdu.
Improved land and airlines extending nationwide provide greater convenience. Chengdu is also the main inland access city to Tibet.
Recommended Chengdu Package Tour Itineraries:
Chengdu Impression: 5 Days Chengdu-Leshan Buddha-Mt. Emei-Chengdu
Chengdu Memorable Trip: 6 Days Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong-Dujiangyan–ChengduMore Chengdu Tour Information:
Golf Tour: Detailed Information about Golf Tour in Chengdu
Hiking Tours: Many hiking itineraries for your reference
Bicycle Tours: Offer information about cycling in and around Chengdu
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Travelers' Voices on Chengdu
1.
Jun. 28,2009 12:56 Reply
Mr.Khoo(Singapore) said:
Hello, Thanks Ms Ruth for your reply, I was told by students who are doing the Doctor Degree in Sichuan University that actually only 30% of the courses will be conducted in English, and other 70% will be truly Chinese for the MBBS program and that is a big problem for me and I hope someone can really confirm the breakdown of the English and Chinese teaching medium.
2.
Jun. 26,2009 03:28 Reply
Mr.Kringle(Australia) said:
How do I get from Xian to Chengdu, and is Chengdu the best Panda reserve?
Thanks for answers.
Jun. 27,2009 01:38
Mr.Frank replied:
Hi, both of the train and flight are available between Xian and Chengdu. You could search the train and flight information respectively at:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/
yes, there is a panda reserve in Chengdu~
3.
Jun. 26,2009 03:29 Reply
Mr.Khoo(Singapore) said:
Hello, Thanks Ms Ruth for her reply. Is Sichuan University MBBS program is really 100% taught in English for oversea student because my chinese language is poor.I need this information urgently please help.
Thanks
Eric
Jun. 26,2009 04:52
Ms.Ruth(China) replied:
I tried to find some pursuasive comments on the Internet. But I failed. There are no comments to say the Sichuan University provides 100% English course of MBBS. But as I know, the West China Center of Medical Sciences in Sichuan University is very excellent. Its official website says they enroll overseas students. It's true. Sichuan Univeristy is one of the 25 Chinese universities which enroll the overseas students, who major in MBBS. So, don't worry. In my opinion, it's able to offer you pure English course.
4.
Jun. 24,2009 22:54 Reply
Mr.Khoo(Singapore) said:
Hello, I want to visit Sichuan University and to know about the medical MBBS course. Is this the right time to visit and how to reach the university from Chengdu and getting around the university campus? Can anyone tell me about the teaching medium is it really 100% English? Please advise, Thanks
Jun. 25,2009 03:21
Ms.Ruth(China) replied:
The West China Center of Medical Sciences, Sichuan University enrolls overseas students. In Chengdu, the City Bus No.19, 35 and 335 can take you to the Sichuanb University.
5.
Jun. 19,2009 19:34 Reply
Mr.Edyharto(Singapore) said:
I have been reading about Xiling Snow Mountain and I am fascinated! But I wonder whether the winter outfits and other skiing equipment could be rented from the resort. What about snow boots, is it advisable to buy them in Chengdu before going to the resort? Thank you.
Jun. 20,2009 01:52
Mr.Shan replied:
Well, no need to buy them unless you need professional equipment , you could rent these necessities from the resort. Just take your warm clothes is okay!
6.
Jun. 13,2009 10:29 Reply
Mr.brownstone(Argentina) said:
hi,i went to chengdu at july 2008 and my experience was wonderfull, except the food!,now, i will go again because im engineer and i work in huawei. do you know where can i buy electronics devices cheaper? for example gps and laptops
Thanks!!
Jun. 14,2009 05:35
Mr.Sandy replied:
You can go to the computer market of Chengdu, from Sichuan University west to Tiao San Ta. There are many digital product markets.
Jun. 16,2009 20:12
Mr.Brownstone(Argentina) replied:
Thank you Mr Sany, i will be there.
7.
Jun. 11,2009 04:40 Reply
Mr.Yeo(Singapore) said:
Hello,
I would like your advice on our plan to visit Xiling Snow Mountain in late Dec 09. What warm clothings would you suggest we bring along? Would the cold weather or snow affect transportation? Thank you for your advice.
Jun. 12,2009 04:00
Mr.Shan replied:
Please take down jacket and waterproof shoes! The temperature on the mountain may drop to -10C. The transport will be in operation unless there is heavy snow~ Take it easy!
Jun. 16,2009 02:26
Ms.EDYHARTO replied:
Thank you Mr Shan.
I read about some hotels nearby namely Aba, Dujiangyan and a resort on the mountain. What is your recommendation?
Thanks.
8.
Jun. 13,2009 18:08 Reply
Mr.ken(USA) said:
I will be traveling to Chengdu in Novenber or December and I would like to know how the weather is.I also would like to know how difficult it is to get married there??Please give me as much information as possible.
Thank-you,
Ken
Jun. 14,2009 05:43
Mr.Colin replied:
HI, Mr. Ken,
Weather: Not too cold. A sweater or plus a coat is ok.
For getting married in Chengdu, it is the same as in other cities. if you find your beloved soulmate, you should offer you passport or other IC certificates, residence permit in China, attestation proving you are single, which provide by American consulates in China or relative organ in your country. :)
9.
Jun. 10,2009 20:53 Reply
Mr.dilip(india) said:
hi,
i shall be visiting Chengdu in OCt for CMEF. I need interpritor cum escort for three days. can any one guide
Jun. 12,2009 19:47
Mr.jack(Chengdu, China) replied:
hello,
Mr.dilip!i am a university student major(senior) in English,and i have qulified skills to meet your demand,what's more,maybe i am available during the days,so,if you feel free,please call me:15846314923 or send your E-mail to :jackliu703@sina.com
10.
Jun. 9,2009 00:12 Reply
Ms.W.(China) said:
I will be travelling to Chengdu from Guilin in the middle of August, 2009, by train or by plane. What are the train prices and times (length of trip) for travel? I usually travel in a hard sleeper compartment if the trip is longer than 6 hours. If there is a fast train, I would like to know this as well. Also, I would like to know how much a comparative plane ticket would be? Thank you.
Jun. 9,2009 01:15
Ms.Cindy replied:
Hi! Guilin to Chengdu by train： Ticket fare is about 350RMB for hard low sleeper. The whole journey will last 26 hours or so. According to the data online, the cheaper flight will cost 510RMB. :)
Jun. 9,2009 01:52
Mr.Tomy replied:
Hi, there is only one train running from Guilin to Chengdu, which takes over 24 hours. You could search the train details at: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
As for the plane, it is difficult to get the lowest price two months later. The current airfare from Guilin to Chengdu is about 600RMB. Please find the real-time airfare at: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/